A MAN who had to be carried to an ambulance by eight firemen has died.

Mr George Sharples (63), who is said to have weighed around 35 stones, took ill at his home in Derwent Walk, Whitefield.

An ambulance crew was called to his house when he began to experience breathing difficulties.

But when they were unable to move him, firemen from the Whitefield brigade were called in to help.

They delicately lifted Mr Sharples from his bed, wrapped him in a sheet and mattress and manoeuvred him downstairs to the waiting ambulance.

He was taken to Bury General Hospital last Friday (May 9) but died later that evening. Mr Sharples lived at home with a son.

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